Tropical Cyclone Koji (16S) Accelerating Southeastward

Tropical Cyclone Koji (16S), located approximately 1200 nm south-southeast of Diego Garcia, has accelerated southeastward at 18 knots over the past six hours.

Animated enhanced satellite imagery shows the low level circulation center (LLCC) has become fully exposed as the main convection weakened and decoupled to the southeast. Upper level analysis indicates the system has moved further away from the ridge axis into an area of strong (30-40 knot) northwesterly vertical wind shear.

Additionally, along-track sea surface temperatures have dipped to below 25 celsius. TC 16S is now tracking on the back side of the steering ridge to the northeast and is expected to rapidly decay and dissipate by TAU 24. Maximum significant wave height is 20 feet.